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If your phone is a few years old, you might be wondering: will it still get updates in 2026? Losing software support means no security patches, no new features, and eventually compatibility issues with apps. Here’s how to check and what to do.
Table of contents
Table of contents
How long each brand supports its phones
| Brand | OS Updates | Security Updates | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 7 years | 7 years | Galaxy S24 until 2031 |
| 7 years | 7 years | Pixel 8 until 2030 | |
| Apple | 6-7 years | 7+ years | iPhone 12 still supported |
| OnePlus | 4 years | 5 years | OnePlus 10 until 2026 |
| Xiaomi | 3-4 years | 4 years | Xiaomi 12 until 2026 |
| Motorola | 3 years | 4 years | Edge 30 until 2025 |
Phones that will lose support in 2026
Samsung
- Galaxy S20 series (released 2020) - Last security updates
- Galaxy Note 20 series - Last security updates
- Galaxy A51/A71 - End of support
- Pixel 5 (released 2020) - Already out of OS updates, last security patches
- Pixel 4a - End of support
Apple
- iPhone 11 (released 2019) - May get iOS 19 but possibly the last
- iPhone XS/XR - Likely not getting iOS 19
Xiaomi
- Mi 10/11 series - End of support approaching
- Redmi Note 9/10 - Already out of support
How to check your phone’s update status
Android
- Go to Settings > About phone > Software information
- Check the Android version and security patch level
- Search online for “[your model] update support end date”
iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Check the iOS version
- Apple publishes supported devices with each iOS release
What happens when a phone loses support
- No security patches: Your phone becomes vulnerable to new threats
- App compatibility issues: Newer apps may not work
- No new features: You’re stuck with what you have
- Banking and payment apps: May stop working if security requirements aren’t met
What to do if your phone is losing support
Option 1: Keep using it (with caution)
If your phone works well and you’re careful about what you install, you can keep using it for another year or two. Avoid banking apps and sensitive data.
Option 2: Switch to a custom ROM
For Android phones, installing LineageOS or similar can extend the life by years. But this requires technical knowledge.
Option 3: Upgrade to a new phone
The safest option. Look for brands with long support policies: Samsung (7 years) and Google (7 years) are the best choices.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I still use a phone without updates?
Yes, but it’s risky. Without security patches, you’re vulnerable to new malware and exploits. I don’t recommend it for phones with banking or payment apps.
Which brand has the best update policy?
Samsung and Google, both with 7 years of OS and security updates. Apple is close behind with 6-7 years.
Is it worth buying a phone with short update support?
In 2026, I’d avoid any phone with less than 4 years of support. The minimum should be 5 years.
Conclusion
Knowing when your phone will lose support helps you plan your next purchase. In 2026, Samsung and Google lead with 7-year support policies. If your phone is losing support this year, it’s time to start thinking about an upgrade. Choose a brand with long support and you won’t have to worry about this for years.